Wednesday, March 09, 2011

“There is still a lot of concern about what the base budget does, the cuts, and where those cuts are being made and I think we’re still trying to find some additional savings,” said Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo.

Projected savings for Health & Human Services are $206 million for the Concho Valley, plus Runnels County. Tom Green County, slated to lose $185 million, comprises most of the cuts. Over $330 million is needed to maintain current services, of which the federal government would pay 60%.

The most common cut for surrounding counties is in the $1 million range, however Runnels ($6 million) and McCulloch ($3.7 million) stand to lose much more. .

The $206 million in Concho Valley cuts represents 30% of 2010-2011 budget. Coke, Concho, Crockett and Sterling Counties could see over a 33% cut in HHS spending in their communities.